Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women, especially after puberty and during the reproductive years. It is commonly associated with weight gain, irregular periods, and hormonal imbalance that lead to further complications including infertility. Obesity is said to be the most common risk factor for the condition, but does that mean lean individuals or people with normal weight cannot get PCOS? Speaking with the Only My Health team, Dr Hemangi Negi, Senior Consultant-Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic surgeon at Women’s Care Clinic, Noida, helps us with some answers. 

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Who Is At Risk Of PCOS?

A study published in the Journal Cureus cites data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggesting that approximately 11.6 crore women are affected by PCOS globally.

Dr Negi said, “Obesity increases the chances of developing PCOS in females,” adding that other factors, such as high stress levels, sedentary lifestyle, junk food intake, and diabetes, also play a role in predisposing individuals to PCOS.

In addition, as per a study published on Wiley Online Library, familial and genetic factors cause predisposition to PCOS, whereas insulin resistance and adiposity put women with PCOS at a higher risk for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. 

Can Lean Women Also Develop PCOS?

“PCOS is not exclusive to obese individuals; lean and thin individuals can also develop PCOS if they have unhealthy lifestyles and other high-risk factors,” said Dr Negi. 

“It’s important to understand that PCOS is often considered a lifestyle disease, as factors such as sedentary habits, poor diet, high stress levels, and diabetes can contribute to its development. Taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and seeking medical advice, can help in managing and preventing PCOS,” she added. 

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How To Know?

PCOS diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and various tests. Symptoms may vary from person to person, but they can help identify the condition early. These include:

• Weight gain
• Acne
• Facial hair growth
• Hair fall
• Dark lines around the neck
• Irregular periods
• Difficulties in conceiving or frequent abortions, in childbearing age

“Tests for PCOS typically include blood tests to measure hormones like Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), serum insulin, and serum testosterone if there is excessive facial hair growth. Ultrasound imaging may also be performed, revealing a ‘string of pearls’ appearance in the ovaries due to multiple cysts, or the presence of multiple follicles in the ovary,” said Dr Negi. 

Conclusion

PCOS is an incurable condition, however, it can be managed with the right lifestyle choices and medical supervision. It is important to avoid delayed diagnosis by consulting a gynaecologist as soon as the above-mentioned symptoms appear.